In celebration of its 35th anniversary, Mattel, Inc. (NYSE: MAT) unveiled the first-ever museum exhibit dedicated to the people, cars and moments in automotive history that embody the spirit of the landmark Hot Wheels® line.

The Hot Wheels® Hall of Fame, which opened to the public on April 23rd, of 2003 offers an entertaining tribute to automotive culture from a Hot Wheels® point of view. With interactive displays, an exhibit of six full-size cars and a collection of significant Hot Wheels® from the past 35 years, the museum showcases the coolest cars in the world and automotive milestones through history. From the original models and drawings of 1967-68 to life-size, fully operational versions of some of the most famous Hot Wheels® cars ever produced, the Hall of Fame museum exhibit also provides a look inside the prolific Hot Wheels® design studio. The centerpiece of the exhibit, the Hall of Fame, honors the people, legendary vehicles and spectacular moments that reflect the power, speed and performance for which Hot Wheels® cars are known.

Visitors will enjoy reviewing authentic 1:64-scale replications of the world’s most popular automobile brands; its colorful commercial vehicles, trucks and other motor craft; and such popular original Hot Wheels® designs as the Deora® II and the Twin Mill®. Parents are certain to recall the favorite Hot Wheels® cars of their own childhoods, while youngsters will have the opportunity to relive the history of the modern automobile… in miniature. The exhibit also provides a historical retrospective of the trends and fads in car culture.

But it’s the 1:1-scale beauties that truly make the Hot Wheels® Hall of Fame a must-see destination. These vehicles inspired by or recreated in the Hot Wheels® line include some of the most memorable showcars of the past 35 years. The Hall of Fame honorees are also certain to bring smiles of recognition to any automotive buff. The selected inductees include Legends, the personalities of racing, industry and innovation; the vehicles chosen as the Greatest Rides; and Milestone Moments of distinction, such as the setting of speed records or memorable televised feats.

In 2005, Hot Wheels® celebrated its 35-year relationship with iconic drag racing legends Don “the Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “the Mongoose” McEwen. The Hall of Fame exhibit currently features the Snake Hot Wheels® Barracuda and Mongoose Funny Cars. Tom McEwen restored his original 1971 blue Plymouth® Duster Mongoose to its former glory as part of this 35th Anniversary. It marks the first time in more than 30 years that the two celebrated vehicles have been seen together.

About the Petersen Automotive Museum:The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Boulevard (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles. Admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students with ID, and $3 for children ages 5 to 12. Museum members and children under five are admitted free. Covered parking is available for $6.00 per car. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For general Museum information, call 323/930-CARS or visit the Museum's Web site address at www.petersen.org.

About the Hot Wheels® brand: Hot Wheels® cars revolutionized boys' toys in 1968 with an original line of super-fast, customized cars built for speed, power and performance, wrapped in attitude. Now, 35 years later, Hot Wheels® is a global lifestyle brand that represents the coolest cars imaginable in scales from miniature to full-size. In addition to leading the way with innovative vehicles, playsets and tracks, Hot Wheels® cars are also popular collectibles for adults. For the latest information on Hot Wheels® cars, cruise over to www.hotwheels.com.

Mattel, Inc. [NYSE: MAT] is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of family products. With headquarters in El Segundo, California, Mattel has offices and facilities in 36 countries and sells its products in more than 150 nations around the world. For more information on Mattel products, please log on to our Web site at www.mattel.com.

HOT WHEELS® and associated trademarks are owned by Mattel, Inc.

Author: Golin/Harris
Link: www.mattel.com